Lukashenko: We have showed that Belarus is strong, wise and can cope with the pandemic

“We have so far managed to avoid the extreme scenario. We have not closed the country. As for the borders, we did not have to close them. Our neighbors have closed theirs. We did not close the airport. We have shown that there is such Belarus that is strong, wise, powerful and can cope with this pandemic,” said the president.

Responding to criticism about the path chosen in the country to combat the disease, Aleksandr Lukashenko said that the difference was only in the fact that the country did not introduce a total quarantine and curfew, did not close its people in their homes and apartments. “We do not have the situation to introduce curfews. But when some in our country started complaining, I said: “Do not worry, if necessary, we will close everything within 24 hours. We have to think about how people will live in their apartments, dormitories. I knew what mood the people will have, and what their mood will be after reopening,” said the Belarusian leader.

“It was a hard fight, which is not over yet. The situation is manageable and the country is manageable, and we can make any decision. But for now, thank God, we do not need extreme measures. Our doctors have learned to cope with this disease. Every person can have it in different ways. Hence, we need different medicines. We have enough medicines, enough PPE, and doctors have adapted to cure these diseases,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus does not only do tests for coronavirus but also give priority to pneumonia diagnosis. “I gave a strict instruction to CT scan all those applying. “We have purchased dozens of devices and installed them where necessary. Now, even in Minsk, we are installing them in clinics. Doctors have already learned to differ the common and COVID pneumonia on CT. This is the right indicator. We can publish these figures and show who copes with the infection best and who has coped with it so far,” the president said.

The head of state added that precautions need be taken, but everything should be done wisely. “We should be very careful and take care of the old people. We cannot feel relaxed, under any circumstances. Take care of yourself, but wisely. Do not close somewhere, stay more in the fresh air,” Aleksandr Lukashenko advised.

Speaking about the current moment the president drew attention to the fact that four ‘pandemics' have come together – those in healthcare, economy, politics, and the information field.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, if there is no answer to the question whether the pandemic was man-made, someone in the world is trying to take advantage of the situation and the emerged psychosis. “The whole world has already come to a halt today, the economy of the whole world has overturned. Leading companies, billionaires and states have put trillions of dollars in their pockets,” the president added.